Click the image above to learn more about the VL4 Foundation.
NOW: If you were to contact Google.ca and inquire about their most popular search terms for January 11-13, “Vincent Lecavalier trade rumours” would top the charts much the way Barack Obama reigned supreme in ‘08.
Fueling the fire with cheap quick-burning coal, as always, is the Montreal media machine. More enamored with juicy headlines than the credibility of sources, fans could build a fantasy all-star lineup of would-be Habs saviors from local reports of the past 18 months (Daniel Briere, Marian Hossa, Brad Richards, Ilya Kovalchuk, Mats Sundin to name a few). So, for all those speculating on the validity of Lecavalier trade rumours, bear in mind these facts:
- Lecavalier’s “no-movement” clause does not kick in until summer 2009
- Lightning owner Oren Koules has expressed interest in making the star center a member of the “Lightning for life” well beyond the length of the 11 year contract. YET…
- The current ownership/mangement team of Koules, Len Barrie and Brian Lawton has violated the trust of many a verbal argreement within in past six months alone (see Dan Boyle, Barry Melrose)
THEN: Many Montreal hockey fans are quick to dismiss Lecavalier for a PERCEIVED lack of desire and passion, an absolute must for leaders of Les Canadiens. Lest they forget: Vincent is not unfamiliar with the role of “savior”. Anointed by a former club owner as “the Michael Jordan of hockey”, he arrived in Tampa back in 1998 as a fresh faced 18 year-old saddled with Christ-like expectations. Lecavalier’s true competitive character was best revealed in 2003 when he remained with the Lightning after his captaincy was stripped by former coach John Tortarella. Rather than pursue a trade out of town, Vincent prevailed as a Stanley Cup champion. In short, a boy became a man.
Check out Vincent and Martin St. Louis in a hilarious linemates “Newlywed” clip!
OFF THE ICE: That boy turned man now rightfully wears the “C” again as leader of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Vincent, now 28, values his role as a true off-ice leader in his community as well. In 2007, he committed over $3 million for the construction of a state of the art pediatric cancer center in St. Petersburg.
Kindly READ THAT AGAIN .
We’re not just talking about visiting terminally ill children during his free time here; the man has donated MILLION OF DOLLARS for Florida’s suffering children. Lecavalier credits his parents for instilling that value of giving back to his community. There isn’t much more that can be said about the virtuous Vincent. EXCEPT this one thing…..
For a multi-millionaire who owns a Ferarri, a Bentley, and an Escalade, Vincent treats common men as though he is one himself. Before a game against Montreal on December 30, 2008, approximately 30 Canadian tourists gathered outside of the players parking lot at the St. Pete Times Forum as the Lightning left their pre-game skate. The crowd alone was enough to deter both Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis, as both stars sped off in their BMWs without so much as a wave. But, as a custom made red Ferarri approached the group, Vincent calmly stepped out of his car and proceeded to sign an autograph for every fan. He obliged even more fans by taking pictures, flashing some million dollar smiles and even conversing with the travelers. He asked where people were visiting from and how they were enjoying the Florida sun. One non-fan passer by became transfixed by the spectacle, asking “Who is this?” A fan told the man “It’s Vincent Lecavalier. He plays for the Lightning”. After looking on for a few more moments, the man said aloud, “Wow. This kid gets it,” as he continued on his way.
I agree. Except he’s not a “kid” anymore; he’s a man now.
